24 Curly Hairstyles Ideas
When you’ve got curls, you’ve got a crown that never takes a day off. But let’s face it, curly hair can be both a blessing and a puzzle.
You know the drill: one day it’s spiral perfection, and the next, it’s frizz’s ugly cousin.
Whether you’re after low-maintenance glam, red carpet waves, or practical updos that don’t pull or flatten, I’ve pulled together 24 game-changing curly hairstyles that work with your texture, not against it.
Let’s dive in, curl-friend.
1. Wash-and-Go Defined Curls
Let’s start simple. A wash-and-go isn’t laziness—it’s curly confidence in its purest form. Start with a hydrating curl cream or leave-in conditioner.
Rake it through damp hair, scrunch with a microfiber towel, and let air dry or diffuse.
Pro tip: Use a curl-enhancing gel with flaxseed or aloe for extra definition.
A study by NaturallyCurly showed 76% of curlies reported better curl clumping with gel layering.
2. Pineapple Updo
This isn’t a snack—it’s the holy grail of preserving curls overnight.
Pull your curls into a high, loose ponytail at the top of your head. It keeps curls intact and doubles as a daytime look with an edge.
I used to wrestle with crushed curls until I discovered this trick in college. My morning mirror routine went from 30 minutes to 5.
3. Half-Up Half-Down with Volume
For days when you want polish without commitment, the half-up half-down is your MVP. Use a satin scrunchie to avoid breakage.
Leave a few curls to frame the face.
This style is especially great if your hair gets heavy. It lifts the crown, giving your face a visual facelift, no botox required.
4. Curly Bob
Short curls? Yes, please. The curly bob is classic, stylish, and easier to maintain than you’d expect. Keep layers light to avoid the dreaded triangle shape.
Stat: Over 58% of women with curls said they felt more confident after going for a bold curly cut, according to a Curl Survey by TextureMedia.
5. Space Buns
Add some playful rebellion to your look with space buns.
Part your hair down the middle, twist into two buns high on either side, and secure with pins or scrunchies.
I once wore these to a festival and got more compliments than the band on stage. It’s equal parts quirky and adorable.
6. Slicked Back Puff
Need a quick, clean look for the office or dinner? A slicked-back puff with laid edges is bold and professional. Use a soft bristle brush and edge control gel.
Don’t forget a satin scarf for 5–10 minutes to set the style. You’ll look like you got your hair done by a pro, and it’ll stay put all day.
7. Braided Crown
For an elegant twist, a braided crown frames your curls and keeps them away from your face.
Braid a section from one temple to the other and secure with pins.
This look got me through three weddings last summer—and every single time someone asked if I had a stylist. I didn’t.
It was just me, a mirror, and 12 bobby pins.
8. Curly Shag
The curly shag is the rock-n-roll sister of the curly bob. Layers, curtain bangs, and volume at the crown give it a retro but fresh vibe.
Ask your stylist for dry-cut layers to suit your curl pattern. It’s versatile enough for 2C to 3C curls.
9. High Puff
A high puff is what happens when your curls want to be a crown.
Gather your curls at the highest point of your head and secure with a stretchy headband or puff cuff.
This is the go-to style for second or third-day curls. Add a statement earring and boom—you’re ready for anything.
10. Flat Twist Out
Want definition and length without heat? Try a flat twist-out. Part your hair into sections, twist close to the scalp, let it dry completely, and unravel.
Insider advice: Don’t touch it too soon—frizz happens when you’re impatient. A twist-out done right can last up to 5 days.
11. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs sound scary—but when done right, they’re game-changers. Ask for longer, layered bangs that blend into your curls.
I tried curly bangs in and never looked back. They softened my features and took 10 years off my face. Bonus: They hide forehead frizz on humid days.
12. Twist & Pin
For an effortless but structured look, try a twist and pin. Take small sections, twist them loosely, and pin them back with bobby pins or hair jewels.
It’s perfect for formal events or even date nights. Think red carpet meets everyday curls.
13. Low Bun with Face-Framing Curls
Sometimes you just want hair off your neck. A low bun with face-framing curls is chic and neat without being boring.
Use a curl cream on the loose strands to keep them glossy and defined.
14. The Frohawk
If you’ve got volume and sass, the frohawk is your alter ego’s favorite style. Pin the sides up tight and let the middle volume stand tall.
Great for Type 4 curls and coils. Add gold cuffs or colored bobby pins to take it up a notch.
15. Bantu Knots
Want a protective style with flair? Try Bantu knots. They look amazing and, when unraveled, give you perfect spiral curls.
Be patient. This takes time, but it’s worth every twist. I did this before a beach vacation and my curls held up through salt, sun, and cocktails.
16. Loose Side Braid
A loose side braid works when your curls are between wash days and you need a quick fix. Gather to one side and braid loosely to preserve your pattern.
Pull out a few curls for that soft, romantic finish. It’s great for brunch or errands when you still want to feel put-together.
17. Curly Pixie Cut
Yes, curly girls can rock pixie cuts. The key is keeping the top longer for movement. A curly pixie is bold, liberating, and so easy to style.
Fun fact: After big chops, many people report faster curl growth. Less breakage = better retention.
18. Jumbo Twists
Jumbo twists are perfect for stretching your curls and keeping tangles at bay. Part hair into big sections, twist, and secure with bands or bobby pins.
Sleep in them and wear them out the next day for a voluminous twist-out. It’s protective and cute in one package.
19. Side Part with Volume
A deep side part adds instant drama. Flip your hair to one side and fluff the roots with a pick or your fingers.
This trick works wonders on fine or medium curls. It adds dimension and makes you look like you just walked off a photoshoot.
20. Halo Braid
A halo braid wraps around your head like, well, a halo. Perfect for formal events or those days when you want your curls neatly tucked away.
I once wore a halo braid to an outdoor wedding. It stayed flawless for 8 hours in 90°F heat.
21. Finger Coils
This one takes patience, but the payoff is worth it. Use your finger to coil small sections and let them set. You’ll get defined, uniform curls that last all week.
This was my go-to during postpartum hair recovery. It helped redefine my curl pattern after hormonal changes.
22. Protective Braided Styles
Box braids, twists, cornrows—protective styles are essential for curly hair health, especially in harsh weather. They prevent breakage and give your hair a break from daily styling.
Don’t forget to moisturize your scalp and sleep in a satin bonnet. Healthy curls are styled curls.
23. Wet Look Curls
Want that glossy, editorial vibe? Try the wet look. Use curl gel and glossing serum on damp hair and slick it back or let it hang naturally.
This style works best with tighter curls. It’s all about shine and shape, like a statue sculpted by Aphrodite herself.
24. Layered Curly Cut with Highlights
Finish strong with a layered curly cut paired with sun-kissed highlights.
Layers give curls bounce and definition, and the highlights add depth without frying your strands.
Ask your stylist for balayage—it’s low-maintenance and blends better with curly textures.
